Taking a Sexual History

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Program Overview

All reproductive care begins with a sexual history. A sexual history is important for all patients because it provides information that identifies high-risk behaviors that can lead to an unintended pregnancy and/or a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV. Taking a thorough sexual history can also be a gateway for and direct essential risk reduction counseling.

Many clinicians and outreach workers in the health care field are concerned about their ability to take an appropriate and thorough sexual history. Also many patients, and sometimes the clinicians, are embarrassed or feel uncomfortable talking about sexual issues. It is important for the provider to be competent and professionally skilled in talking with the patient(s) in a non-threatening manner, to find out what problems exist, and uncover the appropriate background information and clinical history. The outcome of a successful sexual history consultation will result in an improved clinician-client relationship, and a management plan so that the patient is fully informed and less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors. With the right consultation tools, a sexual history can be performed efficiently when time is a critical factor in the clinic setting.